Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Presidential Women's Center for my procedure?

Presidential Women's Center has been South Florida's premier abortion provider for over 26 years. Exceptional patient care is our priority. You will find that our staff will go above and beyond expectations to ensure your experience with us is excellent. Your appointment includes a confidential counseling session with a staff member to make certain all your questions are answered and that we are meeting your needs. In addition to our outstanding patient care, our beautiful facility is state-of-the-art. Our current Center was built in 2001 and is a stand-alone building with private parking and comfortable waiting areas. Our staff includes highly trained Board Certified OB/GYN Physicians, Registered Nurses, medical assistants and counselors, who pride themselves by serving you in a respectful, dignified and compassionate manner.

Do you offer private appointments?

For many reasons, some women choose to have a more private visit to our Center. When you call to schedule your appointment, let our staff member know you'd like to schedule a private visit. For more information on private visits, click here.

When can a pregnancy be terminated?

For the medical (non-surgical) procedure, you must be between five and nine weeks from your last normal menstrual period.

For the surgical procedure, you must be between five and twenty-two weeks from your last normal menstrual period.

How long will I be at your Center?

For the medical (non-surgical) procedure, you will have a 2 -hour visit at our Center during which you will be prepared to complete the abortion process in the privacy of your own home. A follow-up visit to our Center is required 2 weeks later to confirm the process was successful. This visit lasts approximately 45 minutes.

For the surgical procedure, you will have a 3-hour visit to our Center, during which the procedure will occur.

For more information on the difference between the medical and surgical abortion, click here.

Will I experience discomfort?

This is the most common question asked by patients. For the surgical procedure, an I.V. twilight sedation is administered to relax the patient, making the procedure virtually painless. For the medical (non-surgical) procedure, it is common to experience strong cramping, but pain medicine is prescribed to make the process more comfortable.

How will I feel after the procedure?

After the procedure you may experience cramping, which can range from mild to moderate, occasionally through the following 2 weeks. You may have vaginal bleeding after the surgery. Bleeding after the procedure is different for each woman. Typically, patients experience about 7 days of bleeding that is similar to a period. The bleeding may continue on and off for up to 3 weeks after the procedure. Some women have no bleeding at all.

Is the procedure safe?

When performed by an experienced Physician, abortion is a very safe medical procedure. At Presidential Women's Center our Board Certified OB/GYN's perform the procedure. According to the National Abortion Federation, less than .5% of women experience major complications from a surgical abortion, which makes abortion 8-10 times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term. It is also the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available. Both the non-surgical and surgical termination methods are very safe.

Will having an abortion have any effect on future pregnancies?

This is a very important question to ask. There is no evidence that having an abortion under safe and legal circumstances has any effect on future pregnancies. The possible risks involved with abortion surgery are very minimal.

Can I get birth control from Presidential Women's Center?

We offer birth control to our patients immediately after the pregnancy termination. We will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method. Click here to learn more about our birth control options.

How soon can I return to work or school after having an abortion?

Most women return to work or school the day after the procedure. Please discuss with a staff member if you have a job that requires physical labor or heavy lifting, so that we can provide you with a doctor's note, if you so desire.

Can a friend or family member be with me?

We encourage you to have someone with you. They are welcome to stay with you in the waiting areas. If you choose to have I.V. sedation during the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. If you prefer, he or she can join you during your information session with our staff. We ask that you only bring one person with you. However, If you are unable to bring someone with you, local sedation can be administered during the procedure if you are 12 weeks or less from you last normal menstrual period. You can drive yourself home.

When can I eat?

You should eat as soon as you leave our Center. We recommend having a carbonated beverage and a light meal.

Prior to your procedure, it is important that you arrive at our Center with an empty stomach. When you set up your appointment, we will provide eating instructions.

How soon can I have sexual intercourse after the procedure?

It is very important to wait the full two weeks, or until you have your follow-up appointment at our Center before having sexual intercourse.

Will someone be available when your Center is closed if I have a problem?

In case of emergency, our phones are answered 24-hours per day. If you reach us after-hours, you will be assisted by an operator, who will page a staff member. The staff member will call you back immediately. If you are not experiencing an emergency, we are at the office six days per week, and we encourage you to call with any questions. Click here for contact information.

Do I need to take medications after the abortion?

Yes, there are three prescriptions to be taken after the procedure. The prescriptions are: an antibiotic to prevent infection, a medication that will help your uterus contract and decrease bleeding, and a third medicine to decrease cramping.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes. We offer this procedure on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For your convenience, phone counselors are on hand Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM to answer your questions and schedule appointments. Click here for contact information.

Can I have a Tubal Ligation at the same time as my abortion?

Yes. As long as the pregnancy measures less than 14 weeks from your last normal menstrual period, you may have a tubal ligation at the same time as the abortion procedure. When you call PWC for your appointment, please indicate that you are interested in tubal ligation so that we can set up the proper appointment.